Exercise Mat And Towel System

ABSTRACT

An exercise system is provided. The exercise system includes an exercise mat having a top surface and a bottom surface. At least one mat insert configured for removable disposal with the mat, wherein the at least one insert is configured to align with portions of a towel for connection of the towel to the top surface. Systems and methods are disclosed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an exercise mat and towel assembly for personal use with exercise disciplines such as Yoga or Pilates.

BACKGROUND

Exercise mats are utilized during various exercise routines. Often a towel is used in conjunction with the exercise mat, for example, use during yoga that is performed vigorously or in heated environments or classes. The towel is utilized to absorb sweat and resist and/or prevent the exercise mat from becoming wet with perspiration and possibly slippery.

One disadvantage with current towels is that during use, the towel will move during movement of the user. Often the towel will “bunch up” and wrinkle resulting in a non-ideal surface upon which to perform yoga. Further, one must readjust the towel during yoga exercise.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In one embodiment, a exercise system is provided. The exercise system includes an exercise mat having a top surface and a bottom surface. At least one mat insert configured for removable disposal with the mat, wherein the at least one insert is configured to align with portions of a towel for connection of the towel to the top surface.

In one embodiment the exercise system includes a towel having at least one pocket. At least one towel insert is configured for removable disposal with the pocket. The at least one towel insert is configured to align with portions of an exercise mat for connection with a top surface of the exercise mat.

The exercise system includes an exercise mat including a top surface and a bottom surface and four corners. Cavities disposed with the bottom surface at each of the corners. Mat inserts configured for removable disposal with the cavities. A towel including four corners and a pocket disposed at each of the corners. Towel inserts configured for removable disposal with the pockets, wherein the towel inserts are configured to align for connection of the towel to the top surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the specific description accompanied by the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the components of one embodiment of the exercise system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the components of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of portion A of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the components of one embodiment of the exercise system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the components of one embodiment of the exercise system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the components of one embodiment of the exercise system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the components of one embodiment of the exercise system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the components of one embodiment of the exercise system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the components of one embodiment of the exercise system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the components of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the components of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the components of one embodiment of the exercise system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the components of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the components of one embodiment of the exercise system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are included to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

The system of the present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this application is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, as used in the specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It is also understood that all spatial references, such as, for example, horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left and right, are for illustrative purposes only and can be varied within the scope of the disclosure. For example, the references “upper” and “lower” are relative and used only in the context to the other, and are not necessarily “superior” and “inferior”.

The following discussion includes a description of an exercise system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed. Reference is made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Turning to FIGS. 1-14, there are illustrated components of am exercise system 10. System 10 is configured to improve use of an exercise mat and a towel during a workout.

System 10 includes an exercise mat 12, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Mat 12 includes a rectangular configuration having a top surface 14, a bottom surface 16 and four corners 18. In some embodiments, mat 12 may include various configurations, for example, oval, oblong, triangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, offset, staggered, and/or tapered. Mat 12 may comprise various materials, for example, Polyvinyl chloride, vinyl having a foam core, Thermoplastic Elastomer and/or EVA foam mats. In some embodiments, mat 12 may include various surface treatments, for example antimicrobial coating and/or an anti-slip coating. Mat 12 includes a thickness t that may vary depending on the desired use.

Bottom surface 16 includes a surface 20 that defines at least one cavity 22, for example, a cavity 22 disposed at each corner 18. Each cavity 22 includes a depth d. Depth d is less than thickness t such that cavity 22 does not extend through top surface 14 allowing for top sauce 14 to remain flat and resist and/or prevent disruption of movement to the user on mat 12. Cavities 22 may include various configurations, for example, circular, oval, oblong, triangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, offset, staggered, and/or tapered.

At least one insert 30 is configured for disposal with cavities 22. Insert 30 includes a ferrimagnetic material. Insert 30 includes a shape configured to form a mating engagement with the surface of cavity 22. Insert 30 includes a top surface 32 and a bottom surface 34 defining a thickness t1. Thickness t1 is equal to depth d such that insert 30 forms a flush connection with bottom surface 16. Insert 30 includes a disc shape as shown in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, insert 30 may include various configurations, for example, circular, oval, oblong, triangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, offset, staggered, and/or tapered. In some embodiments, insert 30 may include a strip of ferrimagnetic material.

Insert 30 is configured for disposal with cavities 22. For example, a user can place inserts 30 within cavities 22 and utilize a towel 50, as described herein, having corresponding placed inserts 60 connectable with inserts 30, for example, by a magnetic connection to retain towel 50 on mat 12 during a workout. In some embodiments, insert 30 may include an attachment device, for example, clips, snaps, Velcro®, integral connection, pressure fit, interlocking engagement, mating engagement, dovetail connection, clips, tongue in groove, threaded and/or key/keyslot to connect insert 30 with towel 50. Inserts 30 are removable from cavities 22 such that mat 12 can be washed or cleaned.

System 10 includes a towel 50, as shown in FIGS. 5-7. Towel 50 includes a rectangular configuration having a top surface 52, a bottom surface 54 and four corners 56. In some embodiments, towel 50 may include various configurations, for example, oval, oblong, triangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, offset, staggered, and/or tapered. In some embodiments, towel 50 may include various surface treatments, for example antimicrobial coating and/or an anti-slip coating.

A cavity, for example, a pocket 60 may be formed on top surface 52, bottom surface 54 or between surfaces 52, 54. Pocket 60 is disposed at each corner 56. Pockets 60 may include various configurations, for example, circular, oval, oblong, triangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, offset, staggered, and/or tapered.

At least one insert 62 is configured for disposal with pockets 60. Insert 62 includes a ferrimagnetic material. In some embodiments, insert 62 may include various configurations, for example, circular, oval, oblong, triangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, offset, staggered, and/or tapered. In some embodiments, insert 62 may include a strip of ferrimagnetic material. Pocket 60 includes an opening allowing insert 62 to be removed. Removal of insert 62 from towel 50 allows for proper washing of towel 50 in a washing machine or to facilitate transport. As such, inserts 62 are not damaged during wash and inserts 62 do not damage the washing machine.

In use, a user lay mat 12 down on a floor with bottom surface 16 facing the floor. Mat 12 includes inserts 30 attached thereto. Towel 50 is placed on top of mat 12. Pockets 60, within inserts 60 disposed therein, are aligned with inserts 30. Towel 50 is magnetically held with mat 12 to resist and/or prevent movement of towel 50 during movement of the user.

In some embodiments, inserts 30 are configured to be portable to facilitate transport. For example, a user could cut our portions of their mat 12 to allow inserts 30 to be added to any mat. In some embodiments, inserts 30 may include an adhesive along top surface 32 to allow attachment of insert 30 to any mat. For example, a user could apply inserts 30 to any mat prior to use.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 8-14, system 10 includes mat 112, similar to mat 12, as described herein. Mat 112 includes cavities 122, similar to cavities 22, as described herein. Cavities 122 are configured to receive a ring 200, as shown in FIGS. 9-11. Ring 200 is configured for disposal with cavity 122 and configured to receive and engage an insert 130, similar to insert 30, as described herein.

Ring 200 includes an outer surface 202 and an inner surface 204. Inner surface 204 includes a projection 206 extending circumferentially inwards. Projection 206 includes a flexible material such that projection 206 bends and/or flexes to facilitate insertion of insert 130.

Insert 130 is configured for engagement with ring 200. Insert 130 includes a ferrimagnetic material, as described herein. Insert 130 includes a shape configured to form a mating engagement with inner surface 204 of ring 200. Insert 130 includes an outer surface 132 that defines a groove 134, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Groove 134 is configured for disposal of projection 206, as described herein, to connect insert 130 with ring 200, as shown in FIG. 14. Towel 50, as described herein, is connectable with inserts 130 and mat 112, as described herein. Assembly of ring 200 and insert 130 with mat 112 forms a flush connection with bottom surface of mat 112. Insert 30 includes a disc shape as shown in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, insert 30 may include various configurations, for example, circular, oval, oblong, triangular, square, polygonal, irregular, uniform, non-uniform, offset, staggered, and/or tapered. In some embodiments, insert 30 may include a strip of ferrimagnetic material.

In some embodiments, inserts 130 and rings 200 are configured to be portable to facilitate transport. In some embodiments, rings 200 may include an adhesive to allow attachment of insert 130 to any mat. For example, a user could apply inserts 130 to any mat prior to use.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplification of the various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise system, comprising: an exercise mat including a top surface and a bottom surface; and at least one mat insert configured for removable disposal with the mat, wherein the at least one mat insert is configured to align with portions of a towel for connection of the towel to the top surface.
 2. An exercise system according to claim 1, wherein the mat includes at least one cavity disposed with the bottom surface for disposal of the inserts.
 3. An exercise system according to claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the mat insert is configured for a flush engagement with the bottom surface.
 4. An exercise system according to claim 1, wherein the mat insert includes a ferrimagnetic material.
 5. An exercise system according to claim 1, wherein the mat insert includes a disc shape.
 6. An exercise system according to claim 1, wherein the mat insert includes an elongated strip.
 7. An exercise system according to claim 1, wherein the towel includes a pocket.
 8. An exercise system according to claim 7, wherein the pocket is configured for disposal of a towel insert.
 9. An exercise system according to claim 8, wherein the towel insert includes a ferrimagnetic material.
 10. An exercise system according to claim 8, wherein the towel insert includes a disc shape.
 11. An exercise system according to claim 8, wherein the towel insert includes an elongated strip.
 12. An exercise system according to claim 8, wherein the towel insert includes an attachment device configured for attachment with the mat insert.
 13. An exercise system according to claim 1, further comprising a ring configured for disposal with the cavity and configured for engagement with the mat insert to retain the mat insert with the mat.
 14. An exercise system according to claim 13, wherein the ring includes a projection and the mat insert includes a groove configured to receive the projection.
 15. An exercise system, comprising: a towel including at least one pocket; and at least one towel insert is configured for removable disposal with the pocket, wherein the at least one towel insert is configured to align with portions of an exercise mat for connection with a top surface of the exercise mat.
 16. An exercise system according to claim 15, further comprising a ring configured for disposal with the cavity and configured for engagement with the mat insert to retain the mat insert with the mat.
 17. An exercise system according to claim 16, wherein the ring includes a projection and the mat insert includes a groove configured to receive the projection.
 18. An exercise system according to claim 15, wherein the mat insert includes a ferrimagnetic material.
 19. An exercise system according to claim 15, wherein the towel insert includes a ferrimagnetic material.
 20. An exercise system, comprising: an exercise mat including a top surface and a bottom surface and four corners; cavities disposed with the bottom surface at each of the corners; mat inserts configured for removable disposal with the cavities; a towel including four corners and a pocket disposed at each of the corners; and towel inserts configured for removable disposal with the pockets, wherein the towel inserts are configured to align for connection of the towel to the top surface. 